The struggles the Varsity Girls basketball team had at the beginning of the season seem like a distant memory.
They started out 2-7, but the girls have won eight out of their last 9 games, including victories over Swartz Creek and Lapeer East this past week.
Oxford was a game behind Swartz Creek in the Flint Metro League standings entering the Feb. 19 game against Swartz Creek. The Wildcats defeated the Dragons 49-40 thanks to senior Megan Tilley, who connected on six three-pointers in the game and scored a game high 24 points.
‘Our team stepped up across the board tonight,? said Varsity Head Coach Al Poynter. ‘Our effort, defense, toughness and poise against their 1-2-2 press were the keys to victory, and Tilley was outstanding on offense tonight.?
The Wildcats jumped out to a 11-4 lead after the first quarter and maintained that lead throughout the game. They were up 23-13 at halftime and 39-27 after three quarters.
Junior Mikaela Parrish had 10 points for the Wildcats while senior Taylor Medel grabbed 12 rebounds to lead Oxford.
The victory over Swartz Creek came after Oxford defeated Lapeer East 48-42 on Tuesday, Feb. 16.
The game went back and forth in the first half, with the Wildcats taking a 15-12 after the first quarter.
East was able to trim the lead to one by halftime, but Oxford was able to hold them off in the second half. Oxford outscored East 22-17 in the half.
Tilley led the Wildcats with 17 points and senior Emily Brooks added 11.
The Wildcats are now 10-8 overall, and 10-6 in the FML. ‘We now have a legitimate chance to finish in the top 3 in the FML, and to go into the district tournament with a lot of momentum,? said Poynter.
They currently sit in third place with Clio in second with a 11-5 record. Fenton is 15-1 and has already clinched the FML title.
Oxford plays their final home game against Linden on Feb. 23 and their final regular season game at Holly on Feb. 26.